LAS VEGAS – In her closing keynote at HIMSS25 on Thursday, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time and a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, offered an inspiring message about resilience, self-worth, and the importance of mental health. Reflecting on her personal journey, Biles shared her experiences of overcoming challenges in both her career and personal life, emphasizing the need for mental health support, self-care, and balance.
During a candid discussion with Valorie Kondos Field, a renowned NCAA gymnastics coach, Biles opened up about her childhood, the immense pressures of competitive gymnastics, and the pivotal moments that shaped her athletic career.
Biles was placed into foster care at a young age before being adopted by her grandparents, who provided the stable and supportive environment that allowed her to nurture her extraordinary talents. She quickly ascended to the top of the gymnastics world, competing in three Olympic Games and securing a total of 11 Olympic medals. Her impressive achievements are complemented by 30 World Championship medals, all of which are a testament to her powerful execution of complex and difficult routines on vault, floor, and balance beam.
However, it was during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that Biles faced a significant challenge to her career. She developed a mental block known as the “twisties,” which made performing her routines dangerous. Despite winning a bronze in the individual event and a silver in the team competition, Biles made the difficult decision to withdraw from several events to focus on her mental and physical well-being. Her decision was met with criticism from a small group of critics but was widely supported by fellow athletes and the public.
After taking time off to work with sports psychologists, Biles made a remarkable comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At 27, she became the oldest American gymnast to compete in the Games since 1952, winning three more gold medals and a silver.
At HIMSS25, Biles highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health, urging others to seek support from friends, family, teammates, and healthcare professionals. She also reflected on her ongoing commitment to advocating for mental health in sports, noting that she has worked with sports psychologists since her early teens.
Biles emphasized the importance of communication and self-awareness in preventing burnout. “From early in my career, I was transparent with my coaches,” she explained. “If I wasn’t feeling mentally or physically well, I would tell them: ‘I’m going to take a mental day because it’s better to rest than to push myself when my mind isn’t 100%.'”
She also spoke about the difficult period leading up to the Tokyo Olympics, where the uncertainty of the pandemic caused significant emotional strain. “I was devastated when the Olympics were postponed,” Biles recalled. “I was thinking, ‘There’s no way my body can do this for another year.’ But my coach encouraged me to take time off and reset.”
Despite her physical readiness, the mental strain that followed the pandemic weighed heavily on her. “I neglected my mental health because I was so focused on my physical health,” Biles admitted. “I was afraid of getting injured in the gym, and that led to a sense of irrational doubt.”
Biles went on to explain the phenomenon of the twisties, a mental block that causes the mind and body to become misaligned during complex acrobatic movements. “It’s like driving a car every day and suddenly forgetting how to steer,” she said, noting that even small errors in gymnastics can have dangerous consequences.
Throughout her journey, Biles found support in her family, friends, and coaches, especially her mother, who encouraged her to prioritize her well-being over the competition. “My mom told me, ‘The team will be okay. You’ve led them to this point. Focus on yourself,'” Biles recalled.
Biles also shared her experience with sports psychology techniques, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which helped her regain confidence and clarity. “We can’t do it alone. Sometimes we need professional help to get through tough times,” she said.
Looking to the future, Biles reiterated her commitment to being an advocate for mental health and self-care, particularly in the world of athletics. “I see more athletes getting the help they need and speaking out about their mental health journeys,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re all human, and we face challenges. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to seek support.”
Biles concluded her keynote by encouraging others to continue their mental health journeys. “I can’t say what will work for you, but I’m here to walk this path with you,” she said, reinforcing the message that self-care and mental health are integral to overall well-being.
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